Hexagon How-to

My crochet Hexagons, I am LOVING them right now, can't get enough. For a brief spell I fell out of love, I got fed up with the fiddlesomeness of them, the fact that they are very hard to do whilst simultaneously doing anything else (like drinking cappuccino and nattering). They take concentration folks, but if you are prepared to concentrate then these will reward you handsomely. 

I'm not sure how this post will turn out, maybe a bit of a descriptive pattern/tutorial mixture, but one thing's for certain :: I will do my damndest to help you make these if you are interested. I made my own pattern to suit my own yarn, after not being able to find a pattern anywhere on the web in general. And as my pattern appears to differ slightly from others I've seen, I feel confident in finally sharing it :: ie no plagiarism/copyright issues involved I hope. But I must give absolute credit to Alex of Moonstitches who taught me (via her fabulous tutorial) the method of joining the hex's together. If you look on her blog, in the right hand sidebar, you'll see the tutorial waiting for you there :: it's called Block Meet. You will need to use this when you get to the joining stage.

Another valuable source of information and inspiration is the Hexagon Love pool on Flickr. It is quite simply full of fabulous hexagonal goodness.

And there is more info/blurb to be found in my own archives here and here.

I've had many emails during the past few months asking me for specific yarn info with regards to my various crochet projects. I do intend to put a permanent page in my sidebar where you can reference this info, but that will have to wait a little. For now, lets concentrate on these 'ere Hexagons.

For this blanket, I am using Rowan Handknit DK Cotton. It should cost in the region of £3.50 per 50g ball in the UK. I am using 16 different colours, although the deep yellow I chose for the centres is now discontinued. And as I know you like specifics, these are the other 15 colours I'm using ::

215 (Rosso)

219 (Gooseberry)

239 (Ice Water) 

254 (Bright Orange colour, now discontinued)

287 (Diana)

303 (Sugar)

309 (Celery)

313 (Slick)

314 (Decadent)

316 (Slippery)

318 (Seafarer)

324 (Bermuda)

327 (Aqua)

332 (Rose)

333 (Antique)

I'm crocheting on a 4mm hook, and the size of the finished hexagon as you can see above is roughly  hand-sized. Each straight side measures 6cm, and about 11cm across between the points.

Now I have never attempted to write out a pattern before. But lets just assume that if you're reading this in order to try your hand at crocheting hexagons, then you already know how to make basic stitches right? I'll try and not get too complicated, but as I do SO want you to be able to do it, I'll try to explain things as well as basic pattern-write.

First off chain 4 and join to form a ring. The hole in the centre of the ring will be smallish, but this is where you need to work from for the first round. Tweak it a bit with your fingers to open it out a little.

Chain 3, then work 11 double crochet stitches (US) or treble crochet stitches (UK) into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd stitch of the initial chain 3 and fasten off.

You should now have a little whirly wheel circle with 12 stitches/spokes altogether.

 

Join in a new colour for round 2 :: knot the two yarns together, remember like I showed you for the Granny Squares? Remember you can crochet the ends in as you go with the hex's too, to save you darning ends  in at the end.

Pull the new colour yarn through to the front,  through one of the dc/tr stitches :: you are working out of the stitches in this round, not the spaces in between the spokes.

For this round, you're going to be making what I think is known as a Bobble Stitch. It's basically where you work two incomplete dc/tr's into the same stitch, joining them at the end by pulling the yarn through all loops.

I shall describe it to you :: yarn over, insert hook through next stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Then yarn over and insert hook through SAME STITCH, yarn over, hook back through stitch (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

I know it sounds complicated, but honestly, it's really not. Try watching the little Bobble Stitch video I've linked to above, it might help if you see the stitch being made.

So this is the pattern for round 2::

Chain 2, then 1 US dc/UK tr in same stitch. Chain 1.

Work a bobble stitch into next stitch as described above, then chain 1 to space.

Repeat 10 more times until you get back to the beginning and have 12 "bobbles" in total. Join round with a slip stitch into the 2nd stitch of the initial chain 2.

OK, you still with me? Onto round 3 :: Nice and easy now, you're doing dc/tr clusters just like you do for granny squares. You are working out of the SPACES now, the spaces between the bobble stitch clusters of your previous row.

Join a new colour, pull loop through a space between 2 bobble clusters to start.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc/tr), work US dc/UK tr twice into same space, then chain 1.

Work US dc/UK tr three times into next space, chain 1.

Repeat 10 more times until you get back to the beginning and have 12 "clusters" in total. Join round with a slip stitch into the 3rd stitch of the initial chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 4 :: the chain-loop round ::

Join in a new colour and pull loop through a space between the dc/tr clusters of the previous row.

Chain 3, then make a slip stitch into the next space between your dc/tr clusters :: this anchors the chain loop.

Continue making little chain-3's, slip stitching them in place in the gap between the dc/tr clusters of the previous round. Join the last chain-3 with  slip stitch into the first chain stitch you made. Do not fasten off as you will use the same colour for round 5.

Round 5 is the final round that forms the hexagon shape. I'm going to tell you how to crochet this as a single hexagon before we talk about the joining-as-you-go method.

You are using the same colour as the last round, and you will be working the stitches under the chain-3 loops you created. So to begin, make a slip stitch under the nearest chain-3 loop.

Chain 3 (counts as one dc/tr), then US dc / UK tr twice. Chain 2 (this is the corner spacing), then in the SAME chain-3 loop,  US dc / UK tr three times. This is your first corner, it should look like a double cluster of 6 dc/tr's with a pointy corner bit in the middle.

Into the next chain-3 loop, work US dc / UK tr three times. This is a single cluster and makes a straight side.

Into the next chain-3 loop, work US dc / UK Tr three times, chain 2, then US dc / UK Tr three times. This is your second corner.

Continue working your way round making your clusters of 3 dc's /tr's, alternating between making a double cluster corner group (with chain 2 spacing) and a straight side single cluster. You should be ending the round on a straight-side group of three dc's/Tr's. Join the round with a slip stitch and fasten off.

See?????? It's not so hard?????? You've made your first hexagon!!!

Now if you're happy to make lots of single hexagons and join them all by stitching, then that's absolutely fine. But joining them as you go is fairly easy, although a little fiddly.

You will be working anti-clockwise, starting with a corner, as shown above.

To begin, you make a single cluster as before (chain 3, then dc/tr twice). Then instead of chaining 2 to make your corner spacing, chain ONE, then replace your second chain space with a slip stitch into the corner space of the ajoining hexagon.
Then working into the SAME chain-3 loop, dc/tr three times to finish your corner cluster.

Now you need to slip stitch into the next space of the ajoining hexagon to secure (see above). Basically, you have to insert hook into the space, hook the yarn from the back and pull it through to the front :: first through the space, then through the loop on the hook. It takes a bit of practice, it can be fiddly. But persevere.

You continue to work your way round, forming the hex shape in the same way as described above, but making sure that after each cluster you slip stitch into the relevant space on the ajoining hexagon which makes the attachment. When you get to a corner where you would normally chain 2, you make 2 slip stitches instead (in picture above, one slip stitch is made into the corner of the bright blue hex, and the next slip stitch into the corner of the sage green hex). This is quite hard to explain in words :: please do look over Alex's tutorial, she has some great photos to illustrate. But keep in mind that her pattern is different to mine, she uses more stitches so try not to get confused.

I so hope that if you are inspired to give this a go, then you will be able to follow my blurb. I've done my very best with this, tried not to be too wordy, and its taken me a very long time to write it all out. But you are worth it, every word! I am happy, SO happy to be spreading the Hexagon Love. And if just one of you manages to make a hexagon out of this post, then I am gonna be MiGhTy HaPpy :)

I'm going to put this post over in my sidebar so you can reference it easily :: look over to the left, down at the bottom, and it will be listed as a Page.

If you find you need further help, please just leave a comment and I will do my best to reply and help out.

HAPPY HOOKING!

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All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to make a donation you can do so using the button below (all donations are gratefully received and will be used to fund future projects).

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Julie Alvarez]

Oh my god! You are good...! I have to read it carefully later. But thank you for sharing this!

[Julie]

Thankyou,thankyou!!! I am writing out pattern now and it looks so easy. I wish all patterns were like this! I cant wait to start my bedspread. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[Lorie]

Thank you SO MUCH!

I wonder how you chose which color comes next - do you have a set pattern in mind or just choose randomly with what looks nice? (you have a great eye for color!)

I never noticed all the centers where yellow! ha!

Thanks again! REALLY REALLY REALLY THANKS!!!

[Mariana]

¡Muchísimas gracias! (Thank you so but so much!) What a wonderful tutorial, you're amazing!

[carol]

I just love your hexagons. It is years since I tried crochet, but am going to give it a try. Your tutorial is good.

[kim]

I am in love with the rainbow colored wavy stripe afghan. Is there a link for this pattern? Is it hard? I have searched many wavy, scalloped, zig-zag patterns and this is the most beautiful- simple and bold at the same time. Please help, I am new to crocheting( I can do chain, single, and even double with a quick reminder). I have never made anything but this has sparked my interest. Thank you very much, Kim

[Melibu]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for having the courage & patience to map this out for us newbies!!! You are the first & only one to put together a road map!!!
Melibu in LA

[Elena_ Italy]

Many thanks for your instructions!!!
Now I try to do it... :|
Compliments for your hand made...really fantastic
Elena

[Sherree in CA]

Thank you for the great instructions. They are clear enough a beginner to follow. I've tried hexes before but couldn't get it. Now, thanks to you it's easy. You wrote a beautiful pattern. Thank you for sharing.

[boo]

I left comment on your flickr site to say thanks for these instructions -but I wanted to make sure those thanks were loud and clear!!! So over the moon at finding something that works well!!

In another part of your blog, you mention Sarah Lugg - yes, I went to Vlth form college with her, she was seeing my ex husband's brother at that time!! A lovely girl. I lost touch with her some years ago, but have sent an email to an intermediary who may be able to put me back in touch with her. http://anothergirlatplay.com/sarah-lugg/

Boo

[Rebekah]

oh! I am so excited! I have always wanted to do a hexagon but had no clue where to find a pattern! I found yours last night and followed your WONDERFUL instructions! I have already made 2 and connected them like you explained to boot! Thankyou soooo Much! :) Do you have a method for choosing which colors to use for each hexagon? Like do you go light from dark starting from the center? or do you just mix and match however you are feeling at the moment? I have enjoyed looking at all your wonderful creations! Thankyou for sharing!

[Jenny, Sweden]

I just find your blog a few weeks ago, and I am absolutely hooked :), thank you sooooo much for letting us see all of your work! So colourful and happy! I just have a little question about this hexagon blanket. I read here that I need 16 different colours for it, but how many balls of yarn do I need? Is it enough with just one for each colour? Have a great day!

[marian]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your crocheted hexagons & i can't wait to get started even if it is summer downunder lol!!!!! Thanx for sharing :)xx

[Ashley Elizabeth]

Thank you for working this out and posting it! I came across the hexagon phenomenon on Ravelry and no one had a pattern in English :(. I have a stash I inherited from both of my grandmothers and I finally have a project that will do it justice (and use it up!!!!!)

[Jennifer]

Thank you!!!!!!
very easy to read and follow...
my husband loves it too.

[marian]

These are FAB Lucy!!...i adore hexagons and i made three crochet hexagons today, following your instructions, [which were very easy to understand by the way, thanks]i've popped them on my blog and put a link to your blog so everyone can discover the fun of crochet hexagons :) cheers, Marian

[Maria]

Hello, thank you so much for the instructions. I´m doing an hexagon blanket now! I´m using portuguese yarns (since I´m portuguese :)) but I would love to try the ones you used. Unfortunately I can´t find them near me so I´ll have to buy on the net. Can you please tell me the measures of your blanket and the amount of yarn you bought so I can have an idea of how much I need to buy? Thank you so much!
You can see my blanket here http://donapontomaria.blogspot.com/2009/02/cobertor.html

[barbara stewart]

Thanks so much for the easy to read pattern. I love your blanket. How much of each yarn do I need to buy. Thanks again

[Tonya]

Thank you so much! You made this easy to understand, and I get it now. I love your pattern too! Your hexagon blanket is so beautiful.

[Kirsten]

Your afghans are beautiful and your description and photos are clear. Thank you. I have made over 250 3 color hexagons and now need to start joining them for an afghan. I can't follow your link-as-you-go because of my colors, etc. Do you have any idea what is the best way to join the hexagons? In other words, which pattern of stitching leaves me with the least amount of joining only one side together?

[Michele]

Thank you for the easy-to-follow instructions, it's so good of you to share. I'm just learning to crochet, but it's very enjoyable. And I love coming to your everyday!

[Liz Lee]

You make this look so easy. I'll put it on my to do list. I like the idea of sewing each hex together as you go. That way it doesn't just look like a big pile you have to sew together at the end. If you know what I mean!!

[cychoi]

hi there, i love your beautiful, beautiful blog - it makes me so happy! just wondering if you could tell me how to make this granny square into a square as opposed to a hexagon. i am new to crochet & love the pattern of the 3 inner layers resembling a sunburst but would like to try a simpler version as its my first try at crochet. maybe once i get into it, i can brave trying the hexagon! thnx in advance

[CupCake]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to post this excellent hexagon pattern. I'm completely new to the wonderful world of crocheting, but still found your description very very easy to follow, even in English. I had a similar pattern in my native language Danish, but didn't understand a thing...

Best regards from Copenhagen, Denmark :)

[Sarah]

I love, love, love this pattern and have been busily attaching them as I go. I now have a very strangely-shaped mass. Help!